Donald Trump lost the 2020 election. He has spent the last five years lying about this and, unfortunately, elected Republican officials of all levels quickly fell in line behind his idiotic assertions. He lamented there were large numbers of dead people who voted- and they were all against him- and, of course, Democrats were driving illegal aliens from their government provided luxury hotels to also vote (exclusively) for Democratic candidates. He took his claims to court and lost over sixty times. Reality did not matter. Fox News and other news outlets supported and amplified his false claims.
Donald Trump is now spreading false information about the Social Security system. He is now alleging that there are untold numbers of dead people receiving monthly Social Security checks. This blatantly stupid assertion is based on the fact that Elon Musk and DOGE came across a default date that employees use to place applicants without an unclear birthdate. The default date served a legitimate purpose and it did not result in a single known inaccurate payment. Again, reality does matter. Elon Musk misrepresented the default and the new “Big Lie” was initiated. President Trump’s press secretary was quickly and smugly stating there are ten million people 150 years and older getting monthly checks. There were no names or details provided for her nonsensical assertions.
Donald Trump does not lie without a purpose. Authoritarians are aware that bigger and more outlandish lies are more likely to take hold than more plausible fabrications. Classic Trump playbook; this time with potential dire consequences for you and your loved ones.
It is unclear at this time how Social Security will be attacked but there is every reason to believe that the safety net we have paid into is under attack. People will suffer, some will die. There is no historical reason to hope that the elected GOP members at any level will be there to protect us.
John Zanfardino
Bowling Green
